System and method for analyzing and processing food product

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are described that provide a fast and simple way of processing meat or food products. Information is compiled and analyzed regarding the condition of a carcass, meat product, styling of the meat product and associated tray or package. Information is used in various processes, including determining which further processing steps are required. The information is also stored for future reference and analysis.

The present application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application No. 13/766,969 filed Feb. 14, 2013, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/278,286, filed on Oct. 21, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/575,964, filed on Oct. 8, 2009 (U.S. Pat. No. 8,050,462), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/695,712, filed on Apr. 3, 2007 (U.S. Pat. No. 7,613,330) and is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/695,568, filed on Apr. 2, 2007 (U.S. Pat. No. 7,606,394). The present application also claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/789,013 filed on Apr. 3, 2006, entitled “Method and System for Tracking and Managing Livestock Through the Production Process” and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/868,641 filed on Dec. 5, 2006, entitled “Method and System for Administering a Drug Program Related to Livestock,” all of such references are incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to methods and systems for tracking food products, such as meat products, through a production process. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide for a relatively simple and quick way of analyzing meat products based on one or more characteristic and processing the products accordingly.

BACKGROUND

During commercial meat production, a carcass is subjected to a number of different procedures. The animal is first slaughtered, the hide is removed from the carcass, and the carcass is washed. The carcass may then be contacted with hot water and/or steamed pasteurized, and the carcass may also be subjected to one or more electrical stimulation processes. During commercial meat production, the carcass may be attached to a trolley or shackle at different points in the meat processing line. The carcass then travels along the meat processing line where it is subjected to a number of processes, including those identified above, as well as weighing of the carcass and removal of various portions of the carcass. The carcasses are also inspected at a number of locations along the meat processing line, where certain information regarding carcasses may be collected and recorded by the inspectors and others.

Livestock carcasses and meat products are tracked for a variety of reasons, including monitoring the efficiency of a meat production facility and the safe handling and processing of the carcasses and meat products. Meat producers have therefore instituted tracking systems in meat processing plants which utilize a unique identifier for each carcass that enters the meat processing line so that the carcass, and the meat products derived from it, may be tracked as they move along the processing line. The information collected may be used for a variety of purposes, including sorting carcasses before they are broken down into meat products for packaging and tracking carcass information back to the producer of the animal. The collection of information is not limited to the processing plant, but may also be ascertained at numerous locations within a feedlot, farm or ranch. In many instances, this information is collected and analyzed by hand, at a considerable cost to the collecting party, and the information is difficult to obtain in a consistent manner over time, as personnel changes, inconsistencies in training, and individual variations in the collection and presentation of information make consistent collection difficult.

By way of example, beef livers that are isolated as a meat product from carcasses are typically individually hand inspected by representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture along the meat processing line. During this inspection, the inspector is present in the processing plant so that each liver can be visually inspected and given a quality grade, which inspection may include observing a liver as it passes by and/or picking up a liver in order to view one or more sides. The inspector places one or more stamps on the liver, indicating the grade given, such as sufficient for human consumption (one stamp) or sufficient for animal consumption (two stamps), both of which are profitable grades as the liver may be processed and delivered for sale to consumers. The inspector may also grade a liver as inedible or condemned (three stamps), which represents a complete financial loss as all of these livers must be destroyed. A liver may be graded as inedible or condemned for a variety of reasons, including, without limitation, the presence of abscesses resulting from a fast conversion to a high protein diet in advance of slaughter. While all condemned livers result in a financial loss, this type of condemned liver is of particular concern as they represent the vast majority of condemned livers, yet their condition is preventable in live animals prior to slaughter, via the use of commercially available drugs. If this type of liver is treated prior to slaughter, it may then represent a profit as it is more likely to be graded in such a way as to allow sale to consumers, rather than graded as condemned. There are several commercially available drugs that may be used to treat and prevent the presence of abscesses in beef livers that result from a fast conversion to a high protein diet in advance of slaughter, such as the antibiotic macrolide tylosin, among others.

During commercial meat production, it is common to track and identify meat carcasses while they are on the meat production line. Carcasses are tracked for a variety of reasons, including monitoring the efficiency of the meat production facility and to identify and monitor carcasses to ensure that meat has been safely handled and processed. In addition, carcasses may be tracked during meat production so that certain information may be accumulated and maintained while the carcass is in the meat production facility. This information may include the weight of the carcass, the specific type of animal from which the carcass was derived, data about the source of the animal (e.g., breeder, ranch location, etc.), and a variety of other information that may be used to track the carcass. This information may be used for a variety of purposes, including ensuring the meat has been properly aged, aiding and sorting carcasses before they are broken down into meat products for packaging, and tracking carcass information back to the producer of the animal or tracing carcass information from the farm to the packaged meat. In addition, information about carcasses that impact the price of meat, such as quality and cutability, may be collected at different locations in the plant.

Meat producers have therefore instituted tracking systems in meat processing plants. A unique identifier for each carcass that enters the meat processing line is used such that the carcass may be tracked and it can be verified that each carcass has been subjected to each procedure on the meat processing line (e.g., steam pasteurization, washing, trimming, electrical stimulation, and so on).

SUMMARY

Methods and systems for tracking, analyzing, diverting, and processing livestock during and after the production process are provided. Although well suited for use in bovine production, advantages offered by the present invention may be realized in the production of all types of animals including but not being limited to, bovine, porcine, and ovine animals as well as bison, poultry, and fish. Additionally, other production processes not related to animals may also benefit from embodiments of the present invention where tracking of inventory (e.g., other types of food or consumer products) throughout the production process is desired.

As used herein, “animals” refers to all animals, including but not limited to the many forms of commercially useful livestock. An “animal” refers to a single intact animal and, as such, may be a live animal, though that is not required. A “carcass” is a part or portion of an animal. An “organ” is an internal organ derived from an animal, including, but not limited to, brain, liver, tongue, pancreas gland, thymus gland, stomach, feet, kidney, lungs, heart, small intestine, testicles, or placenta. Although the systems and methods of the present invention have been found particularly applicable to livers and lungs, the systems and methods can be employed to collect, compile and analyze data from all organs and it is to be expressly understood that other organs, such as those listed above, can be used with the present invention. The terms “drug” and “combination of drugs” are used herein in their broadest sense and include, without limitation, any biological or chemical substance, synthetic or non-synthetic, that is isolated, purified and/or synthesized and subsequently administered to, and/or taken by, an organism for non-dietary needs in order to produce some effect(s) or to alter some bodily function(s) such as relieving symptoms, curing diseases, eliciting preventative effects, or any other purpose. A “drug program” includes the giving or administration of drugs to animals, the giving or administering of a combination of drugs to animals, the giving or administering of a single drug or a combination of drugs to a single animal or a combination of animals, any combination of the foregoing, and/or the timing of such giving or administration. “Linking” and/or “linked” includes the standard means of computer-assisted storage, analysis, compilation and display of data or information in a database or similar storage/archiving facility, whereby one or more data points is tagged or identified with an electronic signature or data pointer so that it is readily readable by a computer and such that it can be readily associated or joined with other data points, whether such other data points are in the same database or a different one. The electronic signatures or data pointers may be used to quickly pull specific data points from large pools of information, associate it with other data points that may be similarly pulled from large data pools, and then analyze and/or compile a plurality of specific data points into a readable format that is readily transmissible via standard electronic means.

Moreover, many companies focus on supplying dietary drugs, combinations of drugs and the like. These companies usually claim that their product will help the animals be healthier. These types of companies may also be interested in receiving feedback related to various portions of the animals. For example, a company that supplies drugs or combinations of drugs aimed at reducing the number of organ abnormalities may be interested in knowing how many organ abnormalities were present in animals that were treated with their product and how many organ abnormalities were present in others who did not receive their product. Many of these companies pay individuals non-trivial amounts of money to gather this sort of information. Using at least some embodiments of the present invention, a drug company can purchase information relating to certain portions of an animal that was treated with their drugs or combinations of drugs. This information can be, for example, gathered automatically and/or continuously and thus can be provided back to the supplier much more quickly and in more volume than could be realized in the past.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system that is compliant with government regulations and can be easily updated and expanded to be in compliance with new government regulations. For example, as new laws are passed that potentially restrict meat production processes, it is important for meat producers to know that they can change as the rules change without requiring too many costs. Embodiments of the present invention provide for a relatively easily scalable and upgradeable system.

An additional aspect of the present invention is directed to presenting information regarding the condition of an organ in a form that is readily readable, transferable to others, and associated with, or linked to, other information. This may involve one or many steps, depending upon the manner in which the desired information is recorded. For example, the collected information may be entered into a computer or a server where it may be electronically manipulated, stored or disseminated with, or without, the linked information.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide accurate, identification systems that can receive, compile and analyze information about the health and quality of animals, and which can transmit that compiled and analyzed data to a database for storage and/or archiving. Such systems will have the benefit of collecting and presenting information in a consistent and cost effective manner, making it superior to the collection and presentation of the same information by hand or by other methods presently in existence.

Drug companies will also benefit from such systems and from such methods as they will be able to purchase and/or acquire reports that allow them to quickly and easily determine whether certain drugs, combinations of drugs, and/or drug programs: have been administered to one or more animals and/or actually serve to increase the health of animals. Statistical information that can be compiled and reported using certain embodiments of the present invention will thus serve to either reinforce the efficacy of certain drugs or combinations of drugs, or will allow the drug company to assess whether certain, less efficacious drugs or combinations of drugs need further research and development, or whether such drugs or combinations of drugs should be removed from the marketplace entirely. As with meat producers, drug companies will be able to utilize certain embodiments of the present invention to collect and analyze data points concerning each of the above-referenced categories, as well as many others, and will be able to quickly and easily compile and analyze these data points to generate reports, or acquire generated reports concerning the same. Similarly, comparison reports can be generated that are derived from animals that have received certain drugs, combinations of drugs, and/or drug programs with those that received drugs, combination of drugs, and/or drug programs produced by competitors. The present invention will also allow drug companies to determine whether certain drugs, combinations of drugs, and/or drug programs provide the desired results, whether a drug, combination of drugs, and/or drug program can be applied to a variety of species with positive results, and to test new drugs. By utilizing reports generated via the present invention, drug companies will be able to charge a price for a specific drug, combination of drugs, and/or drug program that is in accordance with its actual impact on animal health and will be able to market to those that are not utilizing their drugs.

In certain embodiments, the ability to provide visual evidence of results, such as an image of an organ containing abnormalities with identifying data, provides compelling and verifiable proof of how a drug, combination of drugs, and/or drug program (or the lack thereof) may have affected an animal. This knowledge will help ensure reasonable efforts to maximize the health.

Another object of the present invention is to provide systems that can electronically receive information regarding the origin and/or health of an animal, and preferably organs, from one or a plurality of locations, and then transmit that information electronically to a computer and/or server for analysis, compilation, transmission and/or storage. Such information may be useful to determine whether, or how, data identification of one abnormal organ may be used to track other organs from an individual animal.

Information regarding the origin and/or health of an animal may include, without limitation: the country, geographic region, state, county, city, or town of a single animal or a group of animals; results from a check-up and/or diagnosis of one or more animals; information concerning the use of a drug, combinations of drugs, or administration of a drug program; information concerning the general appearance of an animal or group of animals; the images of one or a plurality of animals; combinations of the same; and similar information. Information regarding the quality of preferably organs, may include, without limitation: one or a plurality of images of an organ; one or a plurality of similar images showing the presence of abscesses or similar medical maladies, if any: and similar information.

By way of example, an image of an organ, tagged with an electronic signature or data pointer and showing the absence of any abnormalities, may be readily linked to information of the time at which the image was generated, which may be further linked to information concerning the time at which that organ was dissected from a carcass.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method for administering a drug program is provided. The method comprises the steps of: receiving information regarding the quality of an organ; receiving information regarding the origin of the organ; receiving information regarding the presence or absence of an administered drug in the animals located at the origin; linking such information together; and then, based on such linked information, determining whether the quality is due to, or has been influenced by, the presence or absence of an administered drug, combination of drugs, and/or drug program in the animals located at the origin.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the system comprises a facility comprising a database, a server, at least one means for generating an image, at least one external server, and at least one display apparatus. The database is used to store and/or archive a variety of information, including without limitation information concerning the health, quality, origin and/or the presence or absence of a drug in organs. The server may comprise one or more processors, memory, and is operable to determine the health, quality, origin and/or the presence or absence of a drug in an animal, or organ based on image information received from the image generation means, as well as the time and date such information was received. Additionally, the server is operable to receive, compile, analyze and/or link together information concerning the health, quality, origin and/or the presence or absence of a drug in the animals and/or organs from at least one the database, and is operable to transfer this information to at least one external server capable of receiving such information and to the database for storage and/or archiving. The means for generating images is/are operable to receive image information regarding organs and to transmit this information to the server, where it will be received, compiled, analyzed and transmitted to the database for storage and/or archiving and may also be transmitted to at least one external server capable of receiving the same.

As the demand for “case-ready” meat products grows, customer demand for a quality, consistent product also increases. Quality of product includes, but is not limited to fat cover, weight, and “stylization.” Styling or stylization as used herein refers to placement of meat in a tray or package and the orientation of the meat therein. Where a human element is introduced for positioning or stylizing meat product within a package, errors and variability may be introduced to the system, causing additional work and cost downstream wherein the meat needs to be re-stylized and particularly when such re-stylization occurs subsequent to additional packaging operations.

Embodiments of the present invention capture data related to each tray or product package within a system. Feedback is provided, such as to a production worker, to track and manage real time records of products that are produced. Data obtained and stored by embodiments of the present invention may be used to inform customers of certain features, and/or provide input for system process control and business operations. Various embodiments further contemplate identifying trays that fail to meet certain specifications prior to further packaging and thereby eliminate wasted packaging material and increase overall efficiency of the system.

In certain embodiments, quality assurance operations are simplified and their efficiency increased by the provision of a system with real time data acquisition and processing that replaces or reduces the need for human intervention in checking and recording every tray or package produced.

Systems of the present invention provide an accurate record of trays and packages to ensure the absence of foreign materials on the surface of the product prior to an overwrapping process, increasing overall food safety and integrity and reducing the need for unpacking and repacking as may be required by remediation efforts after such a packing step has been performed.

It is one object of the present invention to provide automated, real-time feedback on a food packaging process. Such feedback includes, but is not limited to, the performance of a styler, the quality of the packaging, the quality of the meat, and positioning of labeling. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a database of information obtained by the system and thus enable statistical analysis and review of the same. It is yet another object of the present invention to improve the efficiency of a packing system by, for example, eliminating or reducing wasted packaging materials and eliminating unnecessary labor efforts. It is yet another object of the present invention to enable and/or activate processing decisions related to, for example, applications of topical solutions or other treatment(s) to meat and directing product to various equipment or locations. It is yet another object of the present invention to improve food safety by scanning each tray or package at at least one point in a system and reject trays or packages where necessary. It is yet another object of the present invention to add value to an end customer and provide assurance of consistently manufactured food.

In various embodiments, a vision or image capturing and analyzing system is provided to analyze information related to a meat product and its associated tray or package. Data acquired from the imaging system is stored and processed to perform various quality assurance functions.

In one embodiment, the system comprises a central processor that includes a tracking member, a database, and a meat production facility. The tracking member of the central processor is operable to receive information related to a product at one or more points in the production facility. Additionally, the tracking member is operable to determine a window of traceability during at least one of the fabrication process, the chilling process, the slaughter processes, and the preharvest process. The window of traceability may be based on ergonomic studies, rate of travel, quality assurance processes and any other available information that may lead to an amount of time required for a carcass or meat product to travel through the production process.

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a system that can trace a product, either forwards or backwards, from a single point, throughout most, if not the entire, production (e.g. fabrication) process. This enables a questionable product to be recalled almost immediately before additional resources are expended to process a defective food product (e.g. a bad piece of meat). This also assists in quality assurance of the final products and thus higher customer satisfaction. By using embodiments of the present invention, a questionable piece of meat may be recalled/withdrawn from the production process within a time frame of about two hours, preferably in less than about 90 minutes, and most preferably within 50 minutes of detection.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system that is compliant with government regulations and can be easily updated and expanded to be in compliance with new government regulations. As new laws are passed that potentially restrict food, and particularly meat, production processes, it is important for producers to know that they can change as the rules change without requiring too many costs. Embodiments of the present invention provide for a relatively easily scalable and upgradeable system.

Still a further aspect of the present invention is to provide a system and method that can be used to accurately grade each subprimal portion of a carcass based upon the quality of that particular subprimal. Rather than grading an entire animal based on the ribeye section, each subprimal is analyzed and graded based on its own merit, not solely on the merit of the ribeye. This way the customer does not pay excessive prices for an over-graded product and the producer does not forego potential revenue for an under-graded product. Thus, one aspect of the present invention relates to obtaining and using at least two images of meat food products from one animal to determine the health and/or quality of such animal or food product. This helps to create more value for both the customer and the producer because each product (or at least two products deprived from any given animal) that is produced is given an accurate grade.

In one embodiment, a tray of product passes through a vision system for analysis. The vision system evaluates and determines the size of the tray being passed therethrough. An algorithm associated with the vision system identified a stock keeping unit (“SKU”) associated with the tray. The vision system captures information related to, for example: the presence of a product associated with the tray, the styling of the product on the tray, and a color of the product, and further stores such information. A barcode reader (e.g. laser) is associated with the vision system and operate to read one or more bar codes associated with the trays. Based on information determined from the vision system and bar code scanner, the system may apply further bar code information to the tray. The system is also contemplated as comprising a scale, in various embodiments, to further determine if the tray and product meet specifications related to weight and size of product, for example. In various embodiments, the system may reject trays which do not comply with certain criteria related to the weight of the tray/product. Rejected trays may be subject to various additional processes, including re-working, treatment(s) (e.g. topical treatment), etc. Accepted or approved trays are diverted or forwarded to further processing operations, such as final packaging and/or wrapping of the product.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention(s) contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the disclosure are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. Further, this Summary is neither intended to be nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principle of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of components of a meat production and tracking system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting a general production and tracking process in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a depiction of various processing time windows of traceability in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a method of determining the origin of end products in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a conveyor belt for transporting parts of an animal through the production process in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6A shows a high grade organ in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6B shows a medium grade organ in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6C shows a lower grade organ in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a method of tracking and accounting organ quality in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts a method of utilizing accounting information in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of components of a meat production and tracking system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram depicting one method of administering a drug program related to livestock in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows another method for administering a drug program related to livestock in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows an alternate embodiment to the method for administering a drug program related to livestock in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention presented in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows a third method for administering a drug program related to livestock in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 14 shows a fourth method for administering a drug program related to livestock in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 15 shows a fifth method for administering a drug program related to livestock in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is flowchart depicting a process according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a packaging and imaging system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of trays and a packaging and imaging system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a top view of an imaging system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a front view of an imaging system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an imaging system according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of an imaging system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted from these drawings. It should be understood, of course, that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a meat production and tracking system 100 will be described in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The system 100, in the depicted embodiment, comprises a pre-harvest area 104, a slaughter area 108, a chilling area 112, a fabrication area 116, and a packaging/shipping area 120. The production system receives animals from a given lot 102 a-k, where typically k is greater than or equal to 1. Animals received from a given lot 102 go through the pre-harvest area 104. Generally, in order to ensure a high quality of product, suppliers with supplier numbers are used. A supplier number registers that particular supplier and provides them with a lot number or supplier number. Typically, a qualified supplier complies with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) regulations.

Animals arising at the pre-harvest area 104 from their respective lots 102 are assigned a lot number, corresponding to the lot which they were delivered with. Other information regarding the lot is also provided. For example, the number of animals in a particular lot 102, the sex of the animals in the lot 102, the feedlot of origin corresponding to the given lot 102, the day of slaughter, and other information may be recorded at the pre-harvest area 104. The production and tracking system 100 further comprises a central processor 124 comprising a tracking member 128 and a database 132. The determined information in the pre-harvest area 104 is sent to the central processor 124 via interface 136. The central processor then handles the information accordingly based on the required amount of information needed at any given step along the production process, and stores that information in a suitable format in database 132.

The interface 136 may be a bidirectional interface allowing communications to/from the central processor 124 and various components of the meat production system 100. Alternatively, the interface 136 may be a unidirectional interface that simply transfers information from any one of given areas to the central processor 124. In production, the animals are taken from the pre-harvest area 104 to the slaughter area 108 where they are slaughtered. In the slaughter area 108, the hide of the animal is removed from the carcass and the carcass in washed. The carcass may also be steamed pasteurized, receive a euhygenic bacteria treatment, and be subjected to an electrical stimulation process. In the slaughter area 108, carcasses are cross-referenced with animal ear tags otherwise known as a head tag system. This cross-referencing maps every carcass to an individual animal. Ear tag and head tag numbers are paired, collected, and recorded at the slaughter area 108. The information that is recorded in the slaughter area 108 is again sent to the central processor 124 where it is linked together, processed and then saved in database 132 in the appropriate format.

Also in the slaughter area 108, a carcass crosses a scale where it is weighed and assigned a unique carcass identification number. The carcass identification number references the animal number and the corresponding lot number. The unique carcass identification number may also contain additional data including the kill date, the processing shift, and the hot carcass weight per side. Typically an animal is split into two sides, and therefore two carcasses, each having its own unique carcass identification number, correspond to a single animal. As noted above, this unique carcass identification number is also sent from the slaughter area 108 to the central processor 124 for storage in the database 132, where it may be linked to additional information regarding the animal, such as a lot of origin.

After the animal has passed through the slaughter area 108, the corresponding carcass(es) are sent into the chilling area 112 where they are suitably chilled for a predetermined amount of time. After a carcass has been chilled for the requisite amount of time, it is sent into the fabrication area 116. Carcasses cross a transfer scale out of the chilling area 112 into the fabrication area 116 where they are weighed. The weight is logged at the transfer scale as the “chilled carcass weight” and sent to the central processor 124. Additional information including, but not limited to, the time of processing, the shift at which the carcass was processed at the transfer scale, animal identification number, and corresponding lot number may be saved and sent to central processor 124 for storage in the database 132 as well, where it may be linked to additional information regarding the animal, such as a lot of origin.

In the fabrication area 116 the carcass is separated into different parts. For example, one beef carcass may be split into a butt section, a chuck roll section, a strip section, a top round section, a bone-in-rib product, or any other suitable meat product that can be derived from the carcass. Each product class has a processing time associated with it, which takes into account quality assurance, ergonomic studies, time and travel across fabrication floor, and any other information that can be used to determine the amount of time it takes to produce the produce in the fabrication area 116. This processing time typically corresponds to a window of traceability 300, as will be described in further detail later. Each window of traceability 300 can be traced to a carcass identification number, lot number, and feed lot of origin. This window of traceability 300 may be saved in the database by transferring the information from the fabrication area 116 to the central processor 124 where it is saved in the database 132.

Once the carcass has been properly processed into a final product, it is sent from the fabrication area to the packaging and shipping area 120. In the packaging and shipping area 120 each box containing products is labeled with information. The box information may include product code corresponding to the type of product that is within the box, product serial number, time of production, production shift, and/or destination. The final boxed or packaged product is then sent from the packaging and shipping area 120 to either a retailer or an end customer.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a more detailed description of the production and tracking process will be described in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In step 204, documents relating to a lot and/or animal associated with a particular lot are procured at the pre-harvest area 104. In this regard, but not portending to be limited in any manner, the following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference to assist in providing a written description of how one of skill in the art may implement one or more embodiments of the present invention: U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,990 to Montanari et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,975,223 to Grose et al. Procurement and audit of documents may include vision supply base, future supply projections, information supplier's data, and other relevant supplier information. The received documents are generally used to verify the age of incoming animals, the source of these animals, and may include a determination as to whether the animals are organic and natural (i.e., have not been exposed to chemicals or other additives) in addition to other items of interest with respect to the animals (step 208). In step 212, each individual animal is identified and matched with receiving documents. For example, if fifty animals were received in a particular lot 102, then each animal is matched to that particular lot 102. The animal records are gathered, the animal identification number is recorded, and both are then sent to central processor 124. The animal may also undergo an optibrand vision scan which matches the receiving documents of the lot to that animal. Thereafter, the animal is sent from the pre-harvest area 104 to the slaughter area 108 as described above.

In the slaughter area 108 a carcass is cross-referenced to the animal and lot it came from using a head tag system linking the individual animal's identification number to the lot number (step 216). Thereafter, a determination of grade (such as Angus) and/or breed is made and if applicable, the carcass is stamped as having a high grade of meat (step 220). In step 224, the carcass is sent to the gut table where the animal's organs, as well as the physiological structures in which they are contained, are analyzed to make an initial determination of the health of the animal. Typically, a viscera loss report is generated at the gut table, which will contain information regarding this initial determination. If, during the viscera test, it is determined that the animal's health is questionable, then all carcasses associated with that animal are recalled and tested further to ensure the quality of the meat. By way of example, and while riot wishing to be limited in any manner, pork lungs that are infected by Pasteurella multocida and/or Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniea may contain lesions that cause the lungs to adhere to the inside of the rib cage, thereby damaging the lungs when the lungs are removed. This adhesion is indicative of respiratory complications in the animal and is a visual means of identifying an animal of lesser quality. Additionally, the livers from cattle that have experienced complications, such as pathogenic bacterial infection, from a fast conversion to a high protein diet may contain abscesses, which are also indicative of the overall health of the animal. The existence of these maladies, among others, may be determined visually at the gut table, by hand or human inspection, or by use of the systems and methods of the present invention, as described below.

At the gut table 224, an additional step may be performed where one or more organs of the given carcass are scanned by the systems of the present invention. When the organs are removed from the carcass, they are typically placed on a conveyer belt, or similar means of transport, along with the carcass they were removed from. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the conveyor belt 500 is generally divided into a first section 504 and a second section 508. Organs on the belt 500 are generally separated such that an organ of interest 512 is placed on the first section 504 and the other viscera 516 are placed on the second section 508. The organ 512, placed onto the first section 504 of the belt 500, travels in the general direction of the conveyor belt 500. As the organ 512 moves with the belt 500 it is passed under an optical instrument capable of generating an image of the organ 512, such as still images or sequences of moving images. This image generation means 520 is arranged such that an image is generated of any organ that passes through an area of interest 522 underneath the image generation means 520, and may be equipped with a motion detector or the like that helps to automatically detect the presence of an organ in the area of interest 522. The image gathering means 520 may be one of many items capable of creating an image, photographic or otherwise, of the organ as it passes underneath, such as a camera (film or digital; color or black and white), a video camera (film or digital; color or black and white), an Internet-operable web camera, an x-ray device, calorimeter, fiberscope, optrode, infrared sensor (passive or otherwise), photodetector, photometer, telescope, videoscope, and/or any similar device as well as any combination of the foregoing. In the presently preferred embodiment, the image gathering means 520 is a camera, more preferably a digital color camera. The image gathering means 520 may thus be fixedly located above, alongside, or beneath the conveyer belt 500, it may also be rotatably mounted such that it is movable between each such position as well as any position in between, or it may be present near the conveyer belt 500 such that an attendant may manually use the image gathering means 520 to generate images of the organ of interest. The image gathering means 520 may also be equipped with a motion detector or the like that helps to automatically detect the presence of an organ in the area of interest 522 so that it may operate without the assistance of an attendant.

Once the organ 512 is within the area of interest 522, the image gathering means 520 generates or otherwise obtains at least one image of the organ, which is then sent to the processor 124. The processor 124 determines what animal and/or lot the 512 organ is associated with and creates a data pointer between the subject image of the organ and the animal/lot that the organ 512 is associated with. The data pointer may be a memory address of the data for the animal/lot. The processor 124 may alternatively stamp the image with the corresponding animal/lot identification number/name such that anyone that looks at the image knows what animal the organ 512 came from and subsequently what lot the animal originated from. The processor 124 then sends the image to the database 132 for storage.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-C exemplary images captured by the image gathering means 520 will be discussed in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. The organ of interest 512 shown in FIG. 6A, an image of which has been generated by the image gathering means 520 as it passed through the area of interest 522, has no visible abnormalities. The organ 512 therefore appears to be healthy and, as such, has been given one stamp 604 as an indication that the organ 512 is healthy. In the United States, a USDA employee stands at the belt 500 and grades each organ that may be consumed by humans and/or animals. The grader is responsible for assigning each organ a grade based on its appearance. An organ that appears healthy to the inspector is typically given one USDA stamp, which signifies a healthy organ and a favorable grade. When the processor 124 receives the image of FIG. 6A, the processor 124 may use standard image processing techniques to determine that the organ 512 was given only one stamp, in addition to storing the image of the single stamp given. The image shown in FIG. 6B has a few abnormalities 608, which may be abscesses, tissue damage, or other maladies, and thus has been given a grade of two stamps 604, indicating that the 512 organ is safe for animal consumption but not for human consumption. The presence of these abnormalities 608 may be an indicator to the rancher who supplied the animal, or to a company that supplied drugs to the rancher, that something is wrong either with the animal or the animal's diet. For example, the presence of a large number of abnormalities 608 may indicate, among other things, that the rancher did not use a drug or combination of drugs to improve the animal's health in advance of slaughter, which may have reduced or eliminated the abnormalities 608 in the organ 512. The image shown in FIG. 6C has a number of abnormalities 608 and as a result has been given three stamps 604, indicating that the organ 512 is not safe for human or animal consumption and must be removed from production and destroyed.

There are a number of ways to indicate the grade that a particular organ has received. As discussed above, one scheme for indicating the grade of a particular organ corresponds to how many stamps the organ receives. The more stamps the organ has received, the lesser the quality of the organ. As can be appreciated by one of skill in the art, under different circumstances and/or inspection schemes, the presence of multiple stamps on an organ may indicate that the organ is of higher quality than an organ with fewer stamps. In each case, however, the grade can be readily determined using the systems and methods of the present invention, as noted above.

The images of the organs are sent to the central processor 124 where they are analyzed. Typically the processor 124 searches for and counts the number of stamps 604 that appear in the image and registers the grade of the organ 512 based on the number of stamps 604 present. Alternatively, the processor 124 may not rely on stamps 604 and could instead directly count the number of abnormalities 608 that exist on the organ 512. Using certain image processing techniques, the values of the pixels associated with the stamps and/or the abnormalities could be counted and if the number of those pixels (which may be, for example, pixels that have a different color than their surrounding pixels) exceeds a certain threshold, then the quality of the organ can be downgraded. In order to identify abnormalities and/or the stamps applied by the grader, the processor 124 is operable to scan the image and determine the value of each pixel. Typically, a darker pixel is given a higher intensity value and a lighter pixel is given a lower intensity score. The processor 124 compares the intensity values of each pixel and those immediately next to the pixel. When the processor 124 identifies a pixel that has one or more pixels next to it with a substantially different intensity value, then the processor 124 marks that pixel as a potential abnormality and/or stamp. The processor 124 then tries to determine if a number of marked pixels are in a group. If there are a number of marked pixels in a group, then the processor 124 can mark the group as a potential abnormality and/or a stamp. The size and shape of the group is analyzed to further determine whether the group is an abnormality or a stamp. The number of abnormalities or stamps are then counted to determine what grade the organ was given or what grade it may be given. Once the processor 124 determines the grade then the grade is associated with the lot and/or animal that the organ originated from. This valuable information may be stored in the database 132 and sent to the supplier of the lot for analysis of the quality of the lot.

During the organ scan (step 224) an image gathering means 520 is used to scan each organ as it passes the gut table. By scanning the organ with an image gathering means 520, organ abnormalities may be identified. If too many abnormalities are discovered on a single organ, the carcass(es) associated with that organ may be recalled immediately, prior to any additional production on that meat, as many organs are useful indicators of an animal's overall health and the carcasses associated with such organ may similarly be of low grade or quality. Some or many organ abnormalities may indicate that the animal was not a healthy animal and therefore may not be able to meet suitable quality standards. If, during organ scanning, it is determined that the animal was unhealthy, the carcasses associated with that organ are recalled and further quality testing is performed to ensure that the carcasses are suitable for consumption.

Referring to FIG. 7 a method of scanning organs of interest 512 during meat production will be described in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. Initially, a count variable for all of the organ grades is set to zero (step 704). Thereafter, a first organ is graded by either manual or automatic methods (step 708). The graded organ is then associated with an animal/lot (step 712). By associating an organ with an animal and/or lot, information already stored in the database 132 regarding that animal/lot can be logically connected with the organ such that any additional information that is determined about the organ can also be stored with the animal/lot information in the database 132.

As the organ 512 passes into the area of interest, an image of the organ 512 is captured by the image gathering means 520 (step 716). The image is transmitted to the processor 124 and associated (e.g., stored in the database with images of other organs from the same animal/lot or stamped with animal/lot information) with an animal/lot (step 720). Then in step 724 the processor 124 analyzes the image to how many, and possibly what kind of, markings, abnormalities, and/or stamps exist on the organ 512. Based on this analysis, the grade of the organ 512 is determined by processor 124 and stored with the rest of the pertinent information relating to image and/or the animal/lot associated with the image (step 728).

In step 732, it is determined whether the organ 512 was given the top grade. In the event that the organ 512 has received a top grade, then the variable corresponding to the top grade count for a given lot is incremented by one from its previous value, which would be zero for the first organ (step 736). However, if the organ 512 was not given the top grade then it is determined if the organ 512 was given the second highest grade (step 740). If the organ 512 was given the second highest grade, then the variable corresponding to the second highest grade count is incremented by one from its previous value (step 744). If the organ 512 was not given the second highest grade then the lowest grade count is incremented by one from its previous value (step 748). For purposes of illustration only three grades have been described, but it is possible to implement embodiments of the present invention where numerous grades exist for a particular organ. Each grade would have a corresponding variable dedicated to keeping track of the number of organs that have received that grade. Once the variable associated with the grade of the organ has been incremented, it is determined if there are any additional organs that need to be analyzed (step 752). If there are more organs that have to be scanned, then the method returns to step 708.

Once a suitable number of organs have been analyzed (e.g., all of the organs from animals corresponding to a particular lot of origin), then the grade counts of each variable are associated with a lot (step 756). In a preferred embodiment, when an organ associated with a new lot is scanned, then the value for each variable of each grade count is stored with other lot information and the variables are reset to begin counting for the new lot. After a suitable number of organs have been scanned and the grade counts of the scanned organs are stored along with the other lot information, a report containing the grade counts and any other pertinent information may be generated by the systems of the present invention. This report may then be forwarded to the supplier of the lot (step 760), for a fee or otherwise. This provides easily verifiable and accurate feedback to the lot supplier about the quality of his/her lot. Additionally, the report can be sent to other entities. For example, the report may be transmitted to a drug company that supplies ranchers with drugs or combinations of drugs that is supposed to increase the health of animals delivered for slaughter. By viewing the report, the drug company will be able to determine whether the lot supplier used any of their drugs and/or whether the drugs sold to a certain lot supplier proved to be efficacious, provided that such drugs elicit effects capable of being captured by the image gathering means 520. For example, if the report shows that a particular lot supplier, who purchased one or more drugs from the drug company, provided a large number of high quality organs, then the drug company can use the report as proof of the drug's efficacy and can therefore attempt to charge a premium for it. As can be appreciated, the information from scanning organs of interest 512 may be valuable to a number of other entities involved in the meat production supply chain.

Referring now to FIG. 8 a method of utilizing information supplied from the organ scanning method will be described in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. Initially, a report containing images of the organs and other information related to a lot of origin (e.g., number of animals in the lot, overall quality of the lot, price paid for the lot, price paid per head of animal, time of day lot was processed, lot number, and so on) are transmitted to the supplier (step 804), for a fee or otherwise. The report may also include a description of the grade of the organ, the associated lot number and corresponding animal number, as well as the grade counts for the organs (step 808). The grade counts may correspond to the number of organs that had a particular grade score. For example, a given lot may have had a large number of organs with a top quality grade, a moderate number of organs with a second quality grade, and a small number of organs with the lowest quality grade. By having the report, the supplier is able to correlate the images of the organs to the grade counts, to verify the accuracy of the grade counts (step 812).

Based on the feedback received by both the images and the grade count for each image, the supplier can determine how best to proceed with raising animals. In step 816, it is determined if the images and grade count correspond to a satisfactory level. For instance, if the number of lowest quality grades received is larger than a predetermined satisfactory level of the entire lot, then the lot may not have been raised to a satisfactory level. In the event that the lot did meet the minimum requirements, then the supplier may decide to maintain his/her process (step 820). However, if the feedback shows that the supplier is raising lower quality animals, then the supplier may decide to alter the manner in which they raise their cattle (step 824). For example, if they supplier had not previously been purchasing drugs or combinations of drugs designed to increase the overall health of his or her animals in advance of slaughter, then the supplier may choose to begin purchasing the same. Additionally, the information can be provided directly to the drug company, for a fee or otherwise, so that they can determine if their product is working effectively. If the drugs or combinations of drugs are working effectively, then the drug company may be able to ask a premium for their drugs or combinations of drugs. Conversely, if the feedback indicates that their product does not work, then the drug company may need to redesign their particular product.

Referring back to FIG. 2, after the organ has been scanned and other necessary tests have been performed, the carcass and/or organ is sent to a hot scale (step 228). At the hot scale, each carcass and/or organ is given a unique identification number linked to the head tag. This references the lot number, contains additional data including the kill date processing shift, hot carcass and/or organ weight per side and so on. That information is then transferred to the central processor 124 for storage in the database 132. Thereafter (step 232), each carcass and/or organ is analyzed with another image gathering means, such as a hot camera, that enables the user to make an initial determination or prediction of its quality. Thereafter the carcass and/or organ is sent to the hot sort in step 236.

Once the slaughter process has been completed, the carcass and/or organ is sent into the chilling area 112 where initially yet another image gathering means, such as a cold camera, is used to determine the appearance, size of the rib-eye, color, fat cover and marbling of each carcass (step 240). This information is used by a grader to determine yield grade, quality grade and so on (step 244). Thereafter, the tagger tags the carcass and/or organ and captures data related to that carcass and/or organ (step 248). That data may include data that was recovered from this image gathering means, the grader or any other previously performed step. The information is then sent to the central processor 124 for storage in the database 132.

In step 252, a grader certification is performed meaning that the original grade is confirmed by a second party. In step 256, grade input for payment is performed. This typically involves determining the actual amount of money that may be received for the given grade. The carcass and/or organ is then sent to a sort panel to be stored on cooler rails in step 260. Thereafter, the carcass and/or organ is sorted and stored in a cooler for a predetermined amount of time in step 264. During cooler sort, the location of the carcass and/or organ is known and may be tied to any of the previously mentioned information. This enables the production facility to quickly locate the carcass and/or organ in the cooler if it is determined that the given carcass and/or organ needs to be recalled and/or retrieved for any purpose.

After the carcass and/or organ has stayed in the cooler for a predetermined amount of time, the carcass and/or organ is sent from the chilling area 112 to the fabrication area 116. As the carcass and/or organ passes between the chilling area 112 and the fabrication area 116, it is weighed at a cold fabrication scale (step 268). At the cold fabrication scale, the carcass and/or organ tag information is captured and stored and sent to the central processor 124 and stored in the database 132. Additionally, a DNA sample may be taken from the carcass and/or organ as it passes across the cold fabrication scale. This may ensure a higher level of accuracy in determining and tracing the origins of a carcass and/or organ. Thereafter, a primal drop of two tables is performed in step 272. Each product may be sorted and produced according to known methods.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an explanation of the different types of products and the amount of time required to produce such products will be discussed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Because the fabrication process is a known process, it is possible to create a window of traceability 300 that allows each product to be accurately traced though the fabrication process. For example, properly removing an intact liver from a beef carcass may typically correlate to a product type called “type 1,” which is a product that takes approximately 17 minutes to remove from the carcass. This results in a first window of traceability 300.sub.1 equaling approximately 17 minutes for a type 1 product. Another product may take a longer amount of time to produce and would therefore correlate to a different product type having a different length of time needed for it to be properly processed. For example, a product of type 4 may correspond to the processing of pork ribs, including the removal of the lungs from the pleural cavities. Based on ergonomic studies and known fabrication methods, it may be determined that a fourth window of traceability 300.sub.4, corresponding to product type 4, is approximately 18.5 minutes. This way, each window of traceability 300 may correspond to a different product or part of the slaughter process. Each time a window of traceability 300 is determined, it can be traced to a carcass' ID, lot number, and ultimately feedlot of origin. There may be any number of traceability windows 300 in a given fabrication process, and each may, though it is not required, correspond to a different product (e.g., 300.sub.2, 300.sub.3, 300.sub.n).

Referring back to FIG. 2, once each product has been produced, it is sent to the packaging and shipping area 120 where it is packaged with a packaging bar code (step 276). Packaging may include individually packaging each product or grouping a number of products together into a box, for example, such that the box contains a number of carcasses and/or organs. One box may correspond to four or five different carcasses and/or organs and each carcass and/or organ is not necessarily associated with the same animal. However, the information printed on the box may include the product code or the type of products that are packaged within, together with the serial number of the box, time of packaging of the box and the production shift in which it was packaged. Again this information is sent to the central processor 124 and saved in the database 132. Once the packages have been properly labeled, they are shipped to the end customer (step 280).

Referring now to FIG. 4, a method of tracing an end product, and preferably an organ, back to its origin will be described in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Initially, in step 404, a request to determine the origin of a product is received at the tracking member 128, at which time the requestor provides the box label information, such as the bar code applied in step 276 of FIG. 2, which is received by the central processor 124 in step 408. Such box information may include, without limitation, the box serial number, product code, time of production/packaging of the box, and the production shift in which the product was packaged. Upon receipt of the request, the box label information may be input into the tracking member 128, as in step 412, though the information may also be input directly to the central processor 124 or at a remote terminal that can communicate with the central processor 124 and/or the database 132. Once the label information is input, the product specific fabrication time is determined in step 416. Using the product specific fabrication time, a corresponding fabrication window or window of traceability 300 is determined in step 420. The window of traceability 300 may be used to help determine the number of carcasses and/or organs that were on the fabrication floor during the determined fabrication window (step 424).

Once the number of carcasses and/or organs on the fabrication floor during a given window of traceability 300 is determined, the tracking member 128 is able to determine the carcass ID for each carcass and/or organ determined to be on the fabrication floor in step 428, utilizing information from the database 132 (step 428). The tracking member 128 may then cross-reference the carcass IDs using the head tag system. The cross-referencing performed by the tracking member 128 in step 432 then allows the number of animal lots to be determined in step 436. Specifically, the tracking member 128 determines the number of animal lots on the fabrication floor during the determined window of traceability 300. That information can then be used to determine the origin of each of those animal lots in step 440. Based on this information, the tracking member 128 may then be able to generate a report for the requester of the origin information (step 444). The report may include, but is not limited to, the carcass ID, lot identification number, kill date, fabrication time, number of potential carcasses in the box, number of potential animals in the box, potential member of kill lots in the box, and the corresponding animal feed lot of each kill lot. This information is generally based on the window of traceability 300 and the corresponding information that was stored in the database 132.

The management and tracking system 100 of the present invention allows for backwards and forwards tracking of a carcass, organ and/or animal from any point during the production, fabrication and consumption process. Using embodiments of the present invention, any carcass, organ and/or animal may be recalled or withdrawn within a time frame of about two hours during the production process. The data management and tracking system 100 may also be used to produce reports and sell data back to producers by lot and/or by individual animals within that lot. Also various steps, for example, the organ-scanning step, may be correlated with other steps and information related to that test is maintained in the database 132 along with the corresponding carcass/animal. That data may be sold back to animal health suppliers to allow them to determine how certain animals and/or lots are affected by a particular type of treatment for organs and/or any other health concerns.

The system is also compliant with USDA and FDA regulations therefore making it safe and reliable to the consumers. The process may also improve the sorting efficiency rate of the carcass which in turn leads to subprimal maximization. Additionally, because the window of traceability 300 can be determined throughout the production process, information relating to the fabrication of a given product type does not necessarily need to be stored in the database 132 for each carcass. This makes it easier to maintain a database 132 and track carcasses during the fabrication and production process.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a system 900 for administering a drug program related to livestock is described in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. The system 900 generally comprises a meat production facility 901, which contains a number of production areas (not shown), a database 902, a server 903, at least one image gathering means 904, at least one external server 905, and at least one display apparatus 906. While the discussion presented below with respect to the image gathering means 904, at least one external server 905 and at least one display apparatus 906 refers to each structure singularly, it should be recognized, and it is intended, that a plurality of these features may exist and operate as a part of one or more embodiments of the present invention.

The server 903 and the external server 905 further comprise a processor 907 and memory 908, in addition to the internal circuitry, software and components typically associated with computer servers (not shown). The image gathering means 904 is operably and functionally connected to the server 903, via standard means, such that information may be freely transmitted in both directions between the image gathering means 904 and the server 903, or in a single direction only. Similarly, the database 902 is operably and functionally connected to the server 903, via standard means, such that information can be freely transmitted in both directions between the database 902 and the server 903, or in a single direction only. As can be appreciated, while the external server 905 is also operably and functionally connected to the server 903 via standard means, such that information may be freely transmitted between the external server 905 and the server 903, it may be desirable to configure this interconnection such that the flow of information may be limited to delivery of information from the server 903 to the external server 905, but not vice versa.

In operation, the system 900 functions substantially as described below. A livestock breeder will typically deliver livestock to the meat production facility 901 for slaughter. Upon receipt of such livestock, data concerning the livestock delivered and the delivering breeder is typically obtained, as previously described. This data may include, without limitation, the date and time of delivery, the specific lot number or numbers of livestock delivered, the number of animals delivered, the sex of each of the animals, the ear tag numbers of each animal, if any, the anticipated date and time of slaughter, the name and address of the breeder, the type(s) of livestock bred by that breeder, whether that breeder indicates that the livestock delivered have been given one or more drugs to increase their health in advance of slaughter, what types and/or brand names of drugs had been given, if any, and similar information. Once this information is obtained, it is input into the server 903. Each item of information is then linked together by the server 903 and stored and/or archived in the database 902 as a packet of linked information, or the server 903 may tag or identify each item of information with an electronic signature or data pointer so that each item may be stored and/or archived in the database 902 individually in a form that is readable by the server 903 and that can be readily linked, associated or joined with other data points by the server 903 at a future point in time.

As each delivered animal is slaughtered, it is broken down into a plurality of carcasses and meat products, which will travel between production areas in the production facility 901 where they will be processed into their final form and packaged for sale. Carcasses and meat products typically move through the meat production facility 901 via mechanical means of transport known to those of skill in the art, such as conveyer belts, hooks, wheeled carts, or similar means of transport. The image gathering means 904 may be located at any number of locations within the meat production facility 901, but is preferably located over, under, and/or adjacent to the transport means so that a carcass or meat product, and preferably an organ 913, may travel within close proximity to the image gathering means 904 as it moves from one location in the production facility 901 to another. This way, a carcass or meat product, and preferably an organ 913, may pass within the field of view of the image gathering means 904, allowing the image gathering means 904 to generate one or more images of it automatically, or may pass within reach of an operator who may then manually place the image gathering means 904 in an optimal position to generate one or more images. Once an image has been generated, the image gathering means 904 transmits the image electronically to the server 903 where it is tagged or identified by the server 903 with an electronic signature or data pointer, thus enabling it to be linked with other information already present and/or archived in the database 902 containing a related tag or identifier and stored as a part of a discreet packet of linked information, and/or stored or archived in the database 902 as an individual item of information that can be readily linked with other data points at a future point in time. Thereafter, the image may be transmitted outside of the production facility 901 to an external server 905 as a single item of data or as part of a series of linked information, where it may be visualized on a display apparatus 906 as an image and/or part of a data report.

By way of example, and without wishing to be limited in any manner, consider that, after an animal has been humanely dispatched, it is subjected to a washing procedure inside of the production facility 901. One or more image gathering means 904 may be present in the washing area of the production facility 901 so that it may generate an image of the animal as it is being washed. This image, which may be tagged with the time the image was generated by the image gathering means 904 itself, is then sent to the server 903 where it is tagged or identified with an electronic signature or data pointer so as to allow it to be linked directly to the information gathered about the animal as it was brought in, as discussed above. Since the image of the washed animal will be obtained shortly after delivery of the animal in question, it will be possible for the server 903 to associate the image of the animal generated during washing with certain identifying data for the animal gathered at intake, such as an ear tag number and lot of origin, that already exist as stored and/or archived information in the database 902. Therefore, in linked form, this image may be used to ultimately trace the animal, in the form it exists as it is being washed, to a head tag number, lot of origin and ultimately to the breeder that delivered the animal for slaughter, in addition to all of the other information obtained at intake.

This process may continue for each successive step in the production process, which are described above, such that images may be generated by an image gathering means 904 at numerous locations along the production line and each linked to the information regarding the production step that preceded it. Thus, when an image of a carcass or meat product, and preferably an organ 913, is obtained by the image gathering means 904, it may be linked to one or more images obtained at the immediately preceding step in the production process, and ultimately traced backward such that the image of the carcass or meat product, and preferably an organ 913, can be directly linked to information concerning the breeder, whether that breeder indicated that a drug had been administered in advance of slaughter, the sex and weight of the animal at the time of delivery, and similar information. This information, which is being gathered and linked electronically, allows the production facility 901 to receive and analyze information concerning a single animal as it is being processed, in near real-time.

The image gathering means 904 will preferably be located over the transport means such that it can generate an image of a carcass or meat product, and preferably an organ 913, from above, though it may also be located under or adjacent to the transport means and/or mounted on a mobile apparatus such that its position may be moved between each of these positions as well as any position in between. This way, a carcass or meat product, and preferably an organ 913, may pass within the field of view of the image gathering means 904, allowing the image gathering means 904 to generate one or more images of it automatically, or may pass within reach of an operator who may then manually place the image gathering means 904 in an optimal position to generate one or more images. The use of a transparent means of transport is contemplated for the present invention, to allow the image gathering means 904 to be able to generate images of an item of interest from underneath the transport means. The entirety of the transport means may be transparent or it may be transparent in sections. Preferably, the image gathering means 904 will be located along the meat production line immediately after a location where a stamped determination of grade or quality is made on a carcass or meat product, and preferably an organ 913, so that the image gathering means 904 can generate one or more images depicting, and therefore evidencing, the grade or quality given at the earliest possible time.

In one embodiment, the image gathering means 904 is programmed to generate images automatically and contains software that enables it to determine when an item passing by it on the transport means is centered in its field of view. Such software may be one of many types known to those of skill in the art, but may include color recognition software that recognizes the difference in color between the transport means and the item to be imaged that has been placed on the transport means, as well as heat recognition software that is operable to detect the difference in temperature between the transport means and the item to be captured in one or more images. The image gathering means 904 will also be operable to determine when it has generated an image of an item that is centered and in focus from an image that is out of focus, where the item to be imaged is fully or partially blocked from the field of view of the image gathering means 904, where the item to be imaged is not centered, and/or that has similar troubles. The image gathering means 904 will thus be operable to alert the production facility 901 as to the failure, so that the item to be imaged can be re-imaged and/or manually investigated. Such an alert may be of many means, ranging from an electronic alert sent to the server 903 to an audible alarm that will sound in the production area where the image gathering means 904 is located to alert the production facility 901 that the image gathering means 904 failed to obtain or generate an acceptable image. This difficulty may also be overcome by the presence of more than one image gathering means 904 in succession along the transport means, whereby a successive image gathering means 904 may generate an acceptable image of the item that was not successfully imaged by a previous image gathering means 904.

The software of the image gathering means 904 will also enable it to distinguish between slight differences in color in an item to be imaged and to zoom in on a particular area that may be of interest to generate a magnified image of a specific area of the item in question. The image gathering means 904 is thus able to distinguish between the native color of the item in question and any colored aberrations or foreign objects that may exist on such an item, but utilizing color recognition software as described above. By way of example, and without desiring to be limited in any manner, consider a beef liver that has been inspected by the USDA and given a grade via the application of one or more stamps. The image gathering means 904 will be able to distinguish between the natural color of the beef liver and the color of the USDA stamp such that it may zoom in on the stamp to obtain a close-up image of it. The image gathering means 904 will also be able to distinguish between the color of an abnormality on an organ and the natural color of the organ itself, thereby enabling it to zoom in on an abnormality and generate a magnified image of it. Once the image gathering means 904 determines that an acceptable image of the item in question has been generated, it transmits the image electronically to the server 903, as described above.

Because the system 900 is fully automated, it is possible for the server 903 to create reports containing packets of linked data concerning the slaughter and meat production statistics of an individual animal, or a group of animals, while that animal, or those animals, are still in the production facility 901. Therefore, the quality and health of an animal, or group of animals, as determined by the quality and grading stamps given to the carcasses, meat products and/or organs 913 derived from such animals, can be tracked and linked to a variety of related information, in near real-time. For example, the grade given to an organ can be ascertained by the image gathering means 904 and sent to the server 903 where it may be linked to information about the breeder that raised the animal from which the organ was derived as well as information as to whether that animal had been given a drug to increase its health in advance of slaughter. It is also possible for the server 903 to generate reports that link information about a specific breeder with images obtained as described herein, evidencing the quality and/or grading actually given to the animals delivered to the production facility 901 by that breeder over a certain period of time, thus revealing historical trends about the actual quality and grade of the animals raised by that breeder. It is also possible for the server 903 to generate reports that show linked data concerning, for example, all of the organs processed by the production facility 901 over a specified period of time, the grading each organ received, and the source of the animals from which the organs were derived. The server 903 can also generate reports linking information regarding the quality and/or grade given to specific carcasses, meat products or organs 913 with information as to whether the animals those carcasses, meat products or organs 913 were derived from had been given a drug to increase their health in advance of slaughter. Further, the server 903 can generate reports linking information showing the quality or grade actually given to an animal, or to a group of animals, with the administration of one or more specific types, or brand names, of drugs in advance of slaughter. As can be appreciated, it is possible for the server 903 to generate many different types of reports beyond and in addition to the examples provided above, as there are numerous ways in which the information gathered by the system 900 may be combined. Preferably, the reports generated by the server 903 will contain, at a minimum, information linking the health, quality or grade of an organ to the administration, or lack of administration, of a drug to an animal in advance of slaughter. The production facility 901 may elect to utilize the reports generated as a commodity, by selling the reports generated on a pre-request basis, a pre-purchased basis, a line-item basis, a per-request basis, an ongoing basis over a specified period of time (e.g. monthly, weekly, etc.), or by any number of other commercially viable means.

These types of reports, consisting of linked information created by the server 903, can be stored and/or archived in the database 902 or transmitted to an external server 905 that is operable to receive such information and viewed on a suitable display apparatus 906, such as a television or computer monitor. It will thus be possible for the production facility 901 to generate a variety of reports of linked information related to its daily operations and to store and/or archive those reports in the database 902 on a long term basis for future use. It is also possible for an entity other than the production facility 901, that has access to an external server 905 capable of receiving reports of linked information generated by the server 903, to receive such reports and to view them on a suitable display apparatus 906. Additionally, one of the objects of the present invention is for the server 903 to provide reports of linked information to an external server 905 in a secured format, such as read-only, whereby neither the recipient of the linked information, nor the external server 905, is capable of modifying or altering the report. This way, the production facility 901 can utilize the server 903 to generate and deliver reports to an external display apparatus 906, via an external server 905, such that the recipient of those reports can view them for a specified period of time, with the reports being secured such that the reports can not be saved or retained by the external server 905 in any manner. However, the server 903 is operable to transmit reports of linked information in any format desired and, as such, linked information may be electronically retained, printed onto paper or other suitable materials, and/or modified by the recipient, if desired.

It is also an object of the present invention to allow an entity outside of the production facility 901 to submit to the server 903, via the external server 905, certain information, preferences and/or business rules as to what linked information that entity may desire to see in one or more reports, which will be used by the server 903 to generate one or more reports for the entity, on an ongoing basis or otherwise. This may be accomplished on a one-time basis, thereby making it equivalent to a standing order for one or more reports containing the same linked information, or on numerous successive occasions, thereby allowing each ordered report to contain different linked information, and the production facility 901 may program the server 903 to receive such requests in any number of manners. For instance, the server 903 may be configured such that the external entity may create an account on the server whereby it will “log in” to the server 903 to submit a request for one or more reports, or the server 903 may be configured to allow requests to be received on a one-time basis, under certain circumstances, and each may be configured with one or more of a variety of standard payment options, as are known by those of skill in the art. For example, if the external entity is a drug company, that company may desire to receive and/or purchase reports containing linked information regarding the health and quality of certain organs 913 derived from livestock that had been administered a certain drug or combination of drugs produced by that drug company, in a variety of doses and/or amounts, or a certain drug or combination of drugs produced by a different drug company, such as a competitor, or they may elect to receive information regarding the health of organs 913 derived from livestock that are not presently purchasing drugs or combinations of drugs from the drug company. Under certain embodiments of the present invention, the drug company would be able to submit a request for one or more reports containing such linked information, to be generated on a one-time or ongoing, standing order-type basis, and it may submit this request directly to the production facility's 901 server 903. The production facility's 901 server 903 may be configured to require that the drug company provide certain information to the server 903 before the generated report(s) is transmitted, such as the drug company's name, address, contact person, means of payment, preferred format for the generated report(s), and similar information, in addition to the specifics regarding the linked information concerning organs, livestock, drugs or combination of drugs, and breeders to be included in such report(s). Should the drug company desire to create an account with the production facility's 901 server 903, this information may be retained by the server 903 to facilitate delivery of future generated reports. This way, the drug company may submit a request on a per-report basis, or it may create an account with instructions for the server 903 to generate and deliver reports of linked information on a continuing basis, such that the drug company may receive the same type of report for successive periods of time, such as annual, quarterly, monthly, weekly and/or daily reports containing certain linked information. The server 903 is thus operable in such a way so as to be able to receive such requests and/or to create and maintain such accounts, and to produce such reports, from a plurality of external servers 905. The server 903 is also operable to retain an accounting of all reports generated and delivered to external servers 905 so that accurate billing for the generated reports may be accomplished by the production facility 901.

Referring to FIG. 10, a method of administering a drug program related to livestock utilizing certain embodiments of the present invention is presented. As depicted therein, a meat producer 1001 is ultimately able to produce better meat 1007 because of the interrelationships made possible by the present invention. By utilizing certain embodiments of the system 900 described herein, the meat producer 1001 is able to generate one or more images that evidence the quality and/or grade actually given to animals, portions of animals, or organs derived from animals, that are delivered to it for slaughter by a breeder 1003, and is able to link that evidence to any number of data points and information that is input into, already existing and/or archived in the database 902 to generate one or more reports analyzing and summarizing this information. Such image evidence may thus be linked to information 1004 that may be of economic importance to a drug company 1002, such as whether or not a breeder 1003 has administered a drug or combination of drugs 1005 designed to increase the overall health of the breeder's 1003 animals, to its animals in advance of slaughter, and whether the drug company's drugs, as administered, are efficacious. The drug company 1002 will be able to order reports from the meat producer 1001 containing information regarding the use and efficacy of its drugs that produce effects capable of being captured by the image gathering means 904 of the system 900 of the present invention.

By way of example, presume that the drug company 1002 produces a drug 1005 containing the antibiotic tylosin (also known as tilmicosin), that is marketed as a pharmaceutical designed to increase the overall health of an animal, such as a cow, that is being prepared for slaughter by a fast conversion to a high protein diet. This drug 1005, being an antibiotic, would serve to reduce the cow's susceptibility to liver abscesses that commonly result from such a change in diet, thereby decreasing the total number of abscesses present in the cow's liver and increasing the health, quality and, ultimately, the grade given to the liver during the production process. Alternatively, the drug 1005 containing the antibiotic tylosin may be marketed as a pharmaceutical designed to reduce the incidence of respiratory disease in swine, which would serve to reduce the incidence and amount of lung tissue that attaches to the pleural membranes of a pig's rib cage in pigs suffering from certain respiratory diseases, thereby increasing the health and grade of the pig carcass being processed, as swine displaying little to no lung tissue attached to the pleural membranes lining the rib cage receive the highest quality rating and grades. Similarly, the drug 1005 containing the antibiotic tylosin may be marketed as a pharmaceutical designed to reduce the incidence of respiratory disease in cattle, which would serve a similar purpose as the pharmaceutical marketed for swine and ultimately serve to increase the health and grade of the cattle being processed. These effects, the presence or absence of liver abscesses and the presence or absence of lung tissue on the pleural membranes, are readily visible and can be viewed in an image captured by the image gathering means 904 of the present invention. Therefore, the visual effect of tylosin, or the absence of tylosin, on an organ, as captured in an image by the image gathering means 904 of the present invention, can be used as a means of determining whether tylosin was administered to the animal that organ was derived from in advance of slaughter. For instance, images generated by the image gathering means 904 of the present invention showing a large amount of lung tissue attached to the pleural lining of the rib case of a pig or cow and a high number of abnormalities (i.e. abscesses) on a beef liver can be used as visual evidence that a drug containing tylosin was not administered to an animal in advance of slaughter. In contrast, images showing little to no attached lung tissue and a negligible number of abnormalities can be used as visual evidence that such a drug was administered.

In addition to the foregoing, the visual effect of a drug captured by the image gathering means 904 of the present invention may also come from other portions of an animal, such as its muscle meat. For instance, a USDA quality grading of bovine meat is typically given based on several factors that affect the palatability (tenderness, juiciness, and flavor) of meat. These factors include, without limitation, the age of the animal, the firmness and texture of the meat derived from that animal, and the amount and distribution of marbling, or intramuscular fat, within the lean portion of the meat from that animal. Typically, beef carcass quality grading is based on the degree of marbling, which is the distribution of fat within the fibers of the lean muscle meat of an animal. To determine the overall quality and grading of an animal, USDA graders typically evaluate the amount and distribution of marbling in the rib eye muscle, between the 12th and 13th ribs, by visually inspecting the meat along the production line. The result of the inspection is called a “Preliminary Yield Grade” and the determined quality of the rib eye, by USDA standards, is deemed indicative of the quality and grade of the entire animal. As may be appreciated, the degree of marbling of a rib eye can also be captured visually by the image gathering means 904 of the present invention, such that the image, showing the degree of marbling, together with image evidence captured by the image gathering means 904 of the USDA inspection stamps, as described above, can be sent to the server 903, where it can be linked to other information regarding the animal the rib eye was derived from, such as the administration of a drug or drug program to that animal in advance of slaughter.

For example, presume that the drug company 1002 produces a drug 1005 containing either racoptamine hydrochloride or zilpaterol hydrochloride, both of which are beta receptor agonists similar in structure and pharmacology to catecholamine derivatives. This drug 1005 may be marketed as a pharmaceutical designed to increase lipolysis and reduce lipogenesis in cattle, which would serve to increase a cow's live weight gain and red meat yield, thereby increasing the quality and, ultimately, the grade given to the cow, all without impacting the marbling of the rib eye. As can be appreciated, this will serve to yield higher quality meat products that sell at a higher price, increasing the profits available for the meat producer 1001 and the breeder 1003. Alternatively, the drug 1005 containing racoptamine hydrochloride may be marketed as a pharmaceutical designed to increase lipolysis and reduce lipogenesis in swine, which would serve to increase a pig's live weight gain and lean meat yield, thereby increasing the quality and, ultimately, the grade given to the pig, thereby yielding higher quality meat products that sell at a higher price. The effects of these beta receptor agonists are readily visible and can be viewed in an image captured by the image gathering means 904 of the present invention. Therefore, the visual effect of racoptamine hydrochloride or zilpaterol hydrochloride, or the absence of racoptamine hydrochloride or zilpaterol hydrochloride, on the rib eye or other meat used for quality grading purposes, as captured in an image by the image gathering means 904 of the present invention, can be used as a means of determining whether racoptamine hydrochloride or zilpaterol hydrochloride was administered to an animal in advance of slaughter. For instance, images generated by the image gathering means 904 of the present invention showing a large amount of lean muscle mass and a high degree of marbling in the rib eye or similar meat can be used as visual evidence that a drug containing racoptamine hydrochloride or zilpaterol hydrochloride was administered to an animal in advance of slaughter. In contrast, images showing little lean muscle mass and a negligible degree of marbling of the rib eye or similar meat can be used as visual evidence that such a drug was not administered.

These types of beta receptor agonists are used more frequently in certain breeds of cattle, such as male Holsteins and other exotic breeds of cattle, which are not usually bred and raised for meat production. Holsteins, being a breed typically used by the dairy industry, tend to be raised and kept by certain specialized farms and ranches and are not typically bred by commercial meat breeders 1003. It thus may be useful to identify the breed of cattle being visually inspected by the image gathering means 904 before obtaining the image of the rib eye to determine whether a drug or combination of drugs was administered to the cow in advance of slaughter, as certain breeds such as Holsteins are likely to have always been administered this drug and capturing an image in its rib eye may not provide any additional useful information. However, the presence of a Holstein in a lot of cattle can help pinpoint a feed lot of origin much more effectively than other breeds, as the number of potential feedlots of origin it could have come from is limited to dairy lots, which are more limited in number and geography than meat production feedlots. Therefore, the identification of a Holstein breed in a particular lot of origin is still useful information that can be linked to other information of interest to the drug company 1002.

The drug 1005 of interest to the drug company 1002 need not be limited to a single drug but may be a combination of drugs, each designed to increase the overall health of livestock to be delivered to the meat producer 1001 for slaughter. For example, the drug 1005 may consist of at least two drugs, one that does not necessarily have an effect on the health of the animal that is readily captured by an image obtained by the systems of the present invention, and a second that does produce an effect capable of being captured by such an image and that serves to readily distinguish the presence of the second drug from the absence of the second drug. The second drug, in addition to serving to increase the overall health of the animal it is administered to, may thus serve as an indicator as to whether the combination of drugs 1005 is being administered. In this instance, the drug company 1002 could obtain reports of linked information 1004 from the meat producer 1001 concerning the effect of the second drug on a breeder's 1003 animals, which would serve to indicate whether that breeder 1003 is administering the combination of drugs 1005 to its livestock. By way of example, presume that the first drug is a drug such as monensin sodium, which is designed to prevent and control the growth of certain coccidial bacteria (such as E. zuernii and E. bovis), and thus prevent coccidiosis. While this drug will certainly serve to increase the overall health of an animal, it is likely that it would not have an effect that is readily captured by an image generated by the present invention. It may therefore be administered concurrently with a second drug such as tylosin. As described above, the effect of tylosin is quite apparent in that a treated animal will display readily visible effects, such as a decrease in the number and severity of liver abscesses versus an untreated liver or a reduction in the amount of lung tissue attached to the pleural membranes, an image of which can be readily captured by the image gathering means 904 of the present invention. Therefore, when administered in combination, the effect of tylosin, the second drug and in this case the indicator drug, can be used as a means of determining, visually, whether tylosin was administered to an animal in advance of slaughter. Since monensin sodium, the first drug, is administered together with tylosin, the effect of tylosin can also be used as a means of determining, visually, whether monensin sodium was administered to an animal in advance of slaughter.

By and through embodiments of the present invention, the drug company 1002 may utilize the server 903 to order reports from the meat producer 1001 containing visual information regarding the effect of its drugs, such as those described above among others, that produce effects capable of being captured by the image gathering means 904 of the system 900 of the present invention. The drug company 1002 may utilize this information in many ways, such as evaluating whether a particular drug or combination of drugs 1005 is effectively treating a particular malady or improving the health of livestock in the manner intended, whether certain breeders 1003 are using the drug company's 1002 products so as to more effectively focus its marketing efforts, and others. The drug company 1002 may elect to contact the meat producer 1001 to request information 1004 on one or more breeders 1003 that the drug company believes may not be purchasing and/or administering one or more of the drug company's 1002 drugs 1005 to their livestock in advance of slaughter. Specifically, the drug company 1002 may request that the meat producer 1001 provide the drug company with information 1004 consisting of image data showing the quality and grade given to the organs and/or rib eyes derived from a breeder's 1003 animals, linked to the contact information for that breeder 1003 and to information provided to the meat producer 1001 by the breeder 1003 as to whether or not a drug was administered to such livestock. Upon receipt of this request, the meat producer 1001 is able to utilize the system 900 of the present invention to generate a report containing this information 1004, and is able to transmit this information 1004 to the drug company 1002 via the means described herein. The drug company 1002 can then visualize the linked information 1004 contained in the report and determine whether the breeder 1003 is, in fact, purchasing and administering the drug 1005. In the event that the breeder 1003 is not utilizing the drug 1005, the drug company 1002 may use the report of linked information 1004 to market the drug 1005 to the breeder 1003. Alternatively, as a means of bolstering its marketing efforts, the drug company 1002 may request that the meat producer 1001 send it information 1004 regarding the quality and grading of animals that have been administered one or more of the drug company's 1002 drugs 1005, in order to demonstrate to one or more breeders 1003 that the drugs 1005 do serve to increase the health and quality of animals. Based on this marketing effort, the breeder 1003 may elect to purchase the drug 1005 and administer it to its animals, which will cause the breeder 1003 to produce healthier livestock 1006 for delivery to the meat producer 1001. As will be appreciated, the receipt of healthier livestock 1006 allows the meat producer 1001 to produce and sell better meat 1007. In the event that the breeder 1003 is administering the drug 1005 to its livestock 1006, the drug company may utilize the information 1004 obtained from the meat producer 1001 to determine whether to continue the sale of the drug 1005 to the breeder 1003 on existing terms, or whether to adjust the price of the drug 1005, according to the information 1004 obtained. For example, the drug company 1002 may have elected to sell the drug 1005 to the breeder 1003 initially at a reduced rate, in order to gain business and sell its product. If, based on the information 1004 obtained from the meat producer 1001, it is evident that the drug 1005 is serving to allow the breeder 1003 to produce healthier livestock 1006, then the drug company may elect to increase the sale price of the drug 1005 to the breeder 1003, based on an actual increase in livestock health, as shown by the information 1004 contained on reports generated by the meat producer 1001.

Referring to FIG. 11, another embodiment of a method for administering a drug program related to livestock utilizing certain embodiments of the present invention is presented. In this embodiment, the drug company 1101 is marketing and selling a drug to a livestock breeder 1102 for a reduced price (step 1104). The drug company 1101 may be doing this for any number of reasons, including, without limitation, utilizing a reduced price in an attempt to introduce a new drug to the market, or as an introductory rate in an attempt to induce the breeder 1102 to purchase the drug on an ongoing basis. As before, the drug in question need not be a single drug, but may be a combination of one or more drugs. The breeder 1102 purchases the drug for a reduced price (step 1104) and administers it to all, or a portion, of his or her livestock (step 1105) prior to delivering the livestock to the meat producer 1103 for slaughter. The breeder 1102 benefits from the reduced price by paying less money for it, but also in that he or she need not continue to purchase the drug if it does not serve to increase the quality and health of the breeder's 1102 livestock. Preferably, the breeder 1102 administers the drug to only a specific, identifiable portion of his or her livestock (step 1105), so as to provide a basis for comparing the quality and health of the animals that receive the drug with those that do not.

After administering the drug to his or her livestock (step 1105), the breeder 1102 delivers the livestock to the meat producer 1103 for slaughter. The meat producer 1103 will typically pay the breeder 1102 a set amount for the livestock upon delivery, on a per pound basis. In the present embodiment, the meat producer 1103 pays the breeder 1102 a typical per-pound rate for the livestock, with the understanding that the meat producer 1103 will pay the breeder 1102 a bonus for those animals that yield carcasses or meat products, and preferably organs and/or rib eyes, that receive a certain minimum USDA grade and/or quality rating.

The meat producer 1103 will be able to utilize the system 900 described herein to track the livestock delivered by the breeder 1102 through the production process. By using the system 900, the meat producer 1103 will be able to generate one or more reports that link image data showing the quality rating and/or grade given to a carcass, meat product or organ to the specific lot of animals delivered by the breeder 1102 and, more importantly, to a specific animal. The meat producer 1103 will thus be able to determine which animals delivered meet the minimum quality and grading standards agreed upon, and can pay the breeder 1102 an increased amount of money for only those animals that meet these requirements (step 1106). By utilizing the reports of linked information in this manner, the meat producer 1103 is providing a financial incentive to the breeder 1102 to provide healthier, higher quality livestock for slaughter. Alternatively, the meat producer 1103 can require that a certain percentage of the breeder's 1102 livestock meet the minimum acceptable requirements before any increase in money will be paid. This way, the meat producer 1103 need not pay additional money for small percentages of better quality animals, which may be attributable to random chance rather than the administration of a drug or combination of drugs to the breeder's 1102 livestock in advance of slaughter.

Additionally, the breeder 1102 may acquire the same reports utilized by the meat producer 1103 so as to be able to determine whether the animals given the drug (step 1105) were those that reached the minimum standards of quality and grading and were thus of greater profit to the breeder 1102. This way, the breeder 1102 will be able to determine whether the specific, identifiable animals that were given the drug company's 1101 drug(s) in advance of slaughter were those identified on the meat producer's 1103 reports as being of higher quality and receiving a higher grade. Based on this information, the breeder 1102 can determine whether to continue to purchase the drug(s) from the drug company 1101 and administer it/them to his or her livestock. In the event that the drug served to increase the overall quality and health of the livestock, both the drug company 1101 and the meat producer 1103 will have induced the breeder 1102 into administering a drug program to his or her livestock by providing financial incentives for the breeder 1102 to purchase and administer the drug in question.

Referring now to FIG. 12, an alternate embodiment of the method for administering a drug program related to livestock presented in FIG. 11 will be described. As with the previous embodiment, in this embodiment the drug company 1101 is marketing and selling a drug to a livestock breeder 1102 for a reduced price (step 1104), and the drug in question need not be a single drug, but may be a combination of one or more drugs. The breeder 1102 purchases the drug for a reduced price (step 1104) and administers it to all, or a portion, of his or her livestock (step 1105) prior to delivering the livestock to the meat producer 1103 for slaughter. The breeder 1102 benefits from the reduced price in that he or she is not paying full price at the outset and need not continue to purchase the drug if it does not serve to increase the quality and health of the breeder's 1102 livestock. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the breeder 1102 administer the drug to all of his or her livestock (step 1105) and indicate to the meat producer 1103, upon delivery of the livestock for slaughter, that the drug has been administered (step 1105) in an effort to increase the quality and health of the livestock. It is also preferable that the breeder 1102 indicate to the meat producer 1103 what drug has, or what combination of drugs have, been administered, and that the meat producer 1103 ensure that this information is collected from the breeder 1102 upon delivery of the livestock.

In this embodiment, the meat producer 1103 pays the breeder 1102 a typical amount of money for the livestock delivered, notwithstanding the assertion that the drug has been administered to all of the livestock in question, with the understanding that the meat producer 1103 will pay the breeder 1102 a bonus for those animals that yield carcasses or meat products, and preferably organs, that receive a certain minimum USDA grade and/or quality rating. In the event that the breeder 1102 elects to administer the drug (step 1105) to only a portion of his or her animals, the meat producer 1103 may determine to pay the bonus to the breeder 1102 for those animals that meet the minimum quality and grading standards and that have been given the drug(s).

The meat producer 1103 will be able to utilize the system 900 described herein to track the livestock delivered by the breeder 1102 through the production process, as well as gather and link together information relevant to the quality and health of such livestock. By using the system 900, the meat producer 1103 will be able to generate one or more reports that link image data showing the quality rating and/or grade given to a carcass or meat product, and preferably an organ or rib eye, to the specific lot of animals delivered by the breeder 1102 and, more importantly, to a specific animal. The meat producer 1103 will also be able to include with these reports the linked information as to which animals were given the drug prior to delivery for slaughter, thereby verifying the quality and health of the livestock purported to have received the drug (step 1202). The meat producer 1103 can then pay the breeder 1102 the bonus for only those animals that actually meet the minimum standards of quality and grading and, if the agreement regarding the bonus requires the presence of the drug in question, that have been administered the drug (step 1203). By utilizing the reports of linked information in this manner, the meat producer 1103 is providing a financial incentive to the breeder 1102 to administer a drug program to his or her livestock prior to slaughter that is based on not only the presence of the drug in the animals, but also certain minimum standards of quality and grading. In addition to the foregoing, the meat producer 1103 can utilize the system 900 described herein to store the reports generated on the breeder's 1102 livestock, thereby allowing the meat producer 1103 to be able to generate reports containing historical trends on the quality and health of the livestock produced by that breeder 1102 over time (step 1204), as well as whether the drug in question serves to increase the health of such livestock produced by that breeder 1102.

Referring to FIG. 13, a third embodiment of a method for administering a drug program related to livestock utilizing certain embodiments of the present invention is presented. In this embodiment, the drug company 1101 is marketing and selling a drug or combination of drugs to a livestock breeder 1102 at a normal price (step 1301), with the understanding that the drug company 1101 will provide the breeder 1102 with a rebate at a future point in time, provided that the breeder 1102 can provide the drug company 1101 with evidence that the drug(s) in question was/were actually administered to the breeder's 1102 livestock. In this embodiment, the drug company 1101 has reason to believe that the drug(s) in question has/have been proven to increase the quality and health of livestock and is basing the rebate on this fact. Therefore, in the event that the breeder 1102 claims that a rebate is due, but cannot provide evidence of an actual increase in health and quality of the breeder's 1102 livestock, the drug company 1101 will know that the drugs were not administered to the livestock for which the rebate is claimed. As before, the drug in question need not be a single drug, but may be a combination of one or more drugs. The breeder 1102 purchases the drug at its normal rate (step 1301) and administers it to all, or a portion, of his or her livestock (step 1302) prior to delivering the livestock to the meat producer 1103 for slaughter. Preferably, the breeder 1102 administers the drug to all of his or her livestock (step 1302) and indicates to the meat producer 1103 that the drug has been administered (step 1302) in an effort to increase the quality and health of the livestock. It is also preferable that, upon delivery of the livestock, the breeder 1102 indicates to the meat producer 1103 what drug has, or what combination of drugs have, been administered.

After administering the drug to his or her livestock (step 1302), the breeder 1102 delivers the livestock to the meat producer 1103 for slaughter, who pays the breeder 1102 a typical per-pound rate for the livestock (step 1303). Alternatively, the meat producer 1103, at its option, may elect to pay the breeder 1102 an increase over the typical per-pound rate on the basis that the drug in question has been administered to the livestock (step 1303). The meat producer 1103 will be able to utilize the system 900 described herein to track the specific lot of livestock delivered by the breeder 1102 through the production process, as well as to collect and link together information relevant to the health and quality grading of the livestock delivered. By using the system 900, the meat producer 1103 will be able to generate one or more reports that link image data showing the quality rating and/or grade given to the carcasses or meat products, and preferably organs, derived from the specific lot of animals delivered by the breeder 1102, thereby providing image data showing the quality and/or grading each animal in the lot received. The meat producer 1103 will also be able to link to the reports information regarding the administration of the drug to the lot of animals in question in advance of slaughter, thereby providing a report showing the quality and/or grading given to each individual animal in the lot in question along with the presence of the drug in question.

The breeder 1102 may then obtain these reports from the meat producer 1103 (step 1304) in order to have the proof required by the drug company 1101 of the administration of the drug. The breeder 1102 then provides the reports to the drug company 1101 (step 1305), together with a request for the rebate, pursuant to the agreement between the drug company 1101 and the breeder 1102. The drug company 1101 will then provide the rebate promised (step 1306), based on the evidence contained in the reports generated by the meat producer 1103. By utilizing the reports of linked information generated by the meat producer 1103 in this manner, the breeder 1102 is able to receive a financial incentive to purchase and administer the drug in question in an effort to provide healthier, higher quality livestock for slaughter, and will be able to determine whether the administration of the drug (step 1302) actually served to increase the quality and health of his or her livestock. The drug company 1101 is also able to require that a breeder 1102 provide evidence of actual use of the drug before giving any rebate, or similar financial incentive, to the breeder 1102 for the purchase of the drug.

Referring to FIG. 14, a fourth embodiment of a method for administering a drug program related to livestock utilizing certain embodiments of the present invention is presented. In this embodiment, the drug company 1101 is marketing and selling a drug to a livestock breeder 1102 at a normal price (step 1401), and may have reached the same agreement with the breeder 1102 described in the previous embodiment, as before. Alternatively, the drug company 1101 may have reached an agreement with the meat producer 1103 whereby the drug company 1101 agrees to reimburse the meat producer 1103 a certain amount of money if the meat producer 1103 agrees to pay those breeders 1102, that are known customers of the drug company 1101, a higher per-pound rate for livestock that have been administered the drug company's 1101 drugs, provided that the meat producer 1103 can provide the drug company 1101 with evidence that the drug in question was actually administered to the livestock that received the higher per-pound rate by the meat producer 1103. Either of these two agreements is contemplated for use with the present embodiment. As with the previous embodiment, the drug company 1101 has reason to believe that the drug in question has been proven to increase the quality and health of livestock and is basing the money to be paid, in either arrangement, on this fact. As before, the drug in question need not be a single drug, but may be a combination of one or more drugs.

The breeder 1102 purchases the drug at its normal rate (step 1401) and administers it to all, or a portion, of his or her livestock (step 1402) prior to delivering the livestock to the meat producer for slaughter. Preferably, the breeder 1102 administers the drug to all of his or her livestock (step 1402) and indicates to the meat producer 1103, upon delivery, that the drug company's 1101 drug(s) has/have been so administered in an effort to increase the quality and health of the breeder's 1102 livestock. Depending upon the parties to the agreement reached in this embodiment, the meat producer 1103 will either pay the breeder 1102 a normal per-pound rate, or an increase over the normal per-pound rate, for the livestock delivered (step 1403). In the event that the agreement reached is between the drug company 1101 and the breeder 1102, the meat producer 1103 will pay the breeder 1102 a normal per-pound rate (step 1403), as the breeder 1102 will be able to recover some of its costs from the drug company 1101 through a rebate on the price of the drug (step 1405). In the event that the agreement reached is between the drug company 1101 and the meat producer 1103, the meat producer 1103 will pay the breeder 1102 an increase over the per-pound rate (step 1403), as the meat producer 1103 will be able to recover some of its costs from the drug company 1101 through a rebate equal to, at least, the total amount of the increase paid to the breeder 1102 (step 1406).

After administering the drug to his or her livestock (step 1402), the breeder 1102 delivers the livestock to the meat producer 1103 for slaughter, who pays the breeder 1102 a per-pound rate for the livestock that is in accordance with the nature of the agreement, as described above (step 1403). The meat producer 1103 will be able to utilize the system 900 described herein to track the specific lot of livestock delivered by the breeder 1102 through the production process and to gather and link together information relative to the health and quality rating of the delivered livestock. By using the system 900, the meat producer 1103 will be able to generate one or more reports that link pictorial evidence of the quality rating and/or grade given to the carcasses or meat products, and preferably organs, derived from the specific lot of animals delivered by the breeder 1102, thereby providing image data showing the quality and/or grading each animal in the lot received. The meat producer 1103 will also be able to link to the reports information regarding the administration of the drug company's 1101 drug to the lot of animals in question in advance of slaughter, thereby providing a report showing the quality and/or grading given to each individual animal in the lot in question along with the presence of the drug in question.

The drug company 1101 may then obtain these reports from the meat producer 1103 (step 1404) in order to have proof of the administration of the drug to the specific lot of livestock, as well as proof of the amount paid to the breeder 1102 by the meat producer 1103 for such livestock. The drug company 1101 utilizes the information presented in the reports generated by the meat producer 1103 to verify that their drug has been administered to the lot of livestock in question, and then provides a rebate to either the breeder 1102 or the meat producer 1103, pursuant to the specific agreement reached. If the agreement is between the drug company 1101 and the breeder 1102, then the drug company 1101 provides the breeder 1102 with a rebate on the price of the drug (step 1405), as described in the previous embodiment. If the agreement is between the drug company 1101 and the meat producer 1103, then the drug company 1101 will refund at least the increase over the typical per-pound rate paid by the meat producer 1103 (step 1406), based on the evidence contained in the reports generated by the meat producer 1103 that the drug company's 1101 drug was actually used by the breeder 1102.

Referring to FIG. 15, a fifth embodiment of a method for administering a drug program related to livestock utilizing certain embodiments of the present invention is presented. In this embodiment, the drug company 1101 is marketing and selling a drug to a livestock breeder 1102 at a reduced price (step 1501), with the understanding that the meat producer 1103 will pay the breeder 1102 an increase over the typical per-pound rate upon delivery of the breeder's 1102 livestock for slaughter. In this embodiment, the drug company 1101 is interested in purchasing information as to the efficacy of the drug in question and/or the use of the drug by one or more breeders 1102 and is willing to provide a financial incentive to the meat producer 1103 to obtain such information, as the drug company 1101 will then purchase reports generated by the system 900 of the present invention from the meat producer 1103 concerning the breeder's 1102 livestock and the efficacy of the drug(s) in such livestock. As before, the drug in question need not be a single drug, but may be a combination of one or more drugs.

The breeder 1102 purchases the drug at a reduced rate (step 1501) and administers it to all, or a portion, of his or her livestock (step 1502) prior to delivering the livestock to the meat producer for slaughter. Preferably, the breeder 1102 administers the drug to all of his or her livestock (step 1502). It is also preferable that the meat producer 1103 inquire as to whether the drug has been given to the breeder's 1102 livestock when such livestock are delivered for slaughter, and may require the breeder 1102 to provide this information as a prerequisite to payment of the amount over the typical per pound rate. Provided that the breeder 1102 informs the meat producer 1103 that the drug(s) has/have been administered, the meat producer 1103 pays the breeder 1102 an increase over the typical per-pound rate for the livestock (step 1503), but only for those animals the breeder 1102 indicates have been given the drug company's 1101 drug. The meat producer 1103 will be able to utilize the system 900 described herein to track the specific lot of livestock delivered by the breeder 1102 through the production process and to gather and link together information relative to the health and quality grading of the livestock. By using the system 900, the meat producer 1103 will be able to generate one or more reports that link image data showing the quality rating and/or grade given to the carcasses or meat products, and preferably organs and rib eyes, derived from the specific lot of animals delivered by the breeder 1102, thereby providing pictorial evidence of the quality and/or grading each animal in the lot received. The meat producer 1103 will also be able to link to the reports information regarding the administration of the drug company's 1101 drug to the lot of animals in question in advance of slaughter, thereby providing a report showing the quality and/or grading given to each individual animal in the lot in question along with the presence of the drug in question.

The drug company 1101 then obtains the reports generated by the meat producer 1103 (step 1504) in order to verify the administration of the drug to the lot of livestock in question. The drug company 1101 will then rebate the amount paid above the typical per-pound rate to the meat producer 1103 (step 1505), based on the evidence contained in the reports generated by the meat producer 1103. Additionally, the drug company 1101 may pay the meat producer 1103 for the linked information presented in the reports generated by the meat producer 1103 (step 1505), as such information may be used to generate historical trends as to which breeders 1102 are purchasing and administering the drug company's 1101 drugs and/or whether that drugs serve to actually increase the overall health and quality of livestock (step 1506), which the drug company 1101 may use in future marketing, research and development efforts.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart depicting one embodiment of the present invention wherein a process of analyzing, evaluating and/or processing meat products is provided. As shown, a meat product such as a carcass is processed into individual pieces in step 2002, such as serving or for-sale sized portions. Subsequently, the piece may be trimmed at step 2004 to remove any unwanted portion(s) and placed into a tray or package at step 2006. The tray is placed on a conveyor belt at step 2008 to allow for ease of movement of the tray to subsequent locations and operations. In certain embodiments, the conveyor belt passes through a vision system and any associated trays pass through the vision at step 2010. A camera provided within the vision system captures one or more images at step 2012 and the images are subjected to a vision algorithm at step 2014. The vision algorithm may, for example, identify a stock keeping unit (“SKU”) associated with the tray. The vision system captures information related to, for example: the presence of a product associated with the tray, the styling of the product on the tray, and a color of the product, and further stores such information.

At step 2016, the image(s) captured by the vision system are compared to a database. Such database is contemplates as comprising a plurality of comparison photos for comparison purposes to determine whether or not the captures image(s) meet certain requirements and specifications. The recorded image(s) may be saved to a database in step 2018, such as the database of claim 2016 or a separate database. Images may be tagged, grouped, labeled, or saved based on any one or more characteristics. At step 2020, an analytical process is provided wherein it is determined whether or not the product meets certain specifications. In instances where the product fails to meet certain specifications, the product is rejected at step 2022, wherein the tray and associated product are diverted from a process or conveyor belt. In the provided embodiment, the tray and product are reworked at step 2024 to correct any deficiencies responsible for failing to meet specifications in step 2020. The tray is then returned to, for example, step 2006 for further review and processing. Where products meet specifications in step 2020, a determination is then made as to whether or not the product requires topical application in step 2026. In instances where specifications are met, further processing and treatment may still be necessary. In such situations, a topical solution (for example) is applied at step 2028. Subsequently, at step 2030, a determination is made regarding whether or not the product and tray need to be directed and, if so, where and how such direction is to be made. For example, direction of products 2032 and trays may be a function of the type or quality of product wherein certain like-products are directed to the same or similar stations. After direction, or where such direction is not required, the tray is further processed at step 2034. Such further processing includes, for example, final wrapping and packaging of the product and tray.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a packaging and imaging system 2040 according to one embodiment of the present invention. One or more conveyor belts 2042, 2044 are provided for conveying trays 2046 comprising a food product. Trays 2046 as shown in FIG. 17 comprise food storage/packaging trays having a meat product prior to final sealing of the product. In one embodiment, trays and product associated with and conveyed by conveyors 2042, 2044 are passed through respective domes 2048 a, 2048 b. Domes 2048 a, 2048 b comprise vision system of the present invention, including camera(s) and laser features as shown and described herein. Based on evaluated criteria evaluated in the domes 2048 a, 2048 b, trays are diverted or routed to appropriate or desired further steps. A diverter plate 2050 is provided to selectively divert trays 2046 to at least one of a plurality of further processing steps. As shown in FIG. 17, trays 2046 analyzed by a dome 2048 b are diverted by a diverter plate 2050 for wrapping procedures occurring in an over-wrap machine 2054 a, 2054 b. In various embodiments, diverted plate 2050 comprises an adjustably angled plate for facilitating a gravity-fed movement of the trays 2046 to, for example, separate parallel conveyors 2052 a, 2052 b. The embodiment of FIG. 17 depicts two downstream options, each comprising a respective over-wrap machine 2054 a, 2054 b. In such embodiments, trays 2046 are wrapped using one or more known techniques and sent to further processes such as labeling, storing, freezing, shipping, shipping, etc. Although two over-wrap machines 2054 a, 2054 b are provided in FIG. 17, various alternative embodiments contemplate alternative arrangements. For example, in certain embodiments, a first path of diversion from the diverter plate 2050 comprises an over-wrap machine and related process. A second path of diversion from the diverter plate 2050 comprises an additional and distinct process, such as re-styling, treatment, expunging, or various combinations thereof. Thus, in certain embodiments, only product and trays 2046 which comply with certain criteria as confirmed and analyzed by the vision system 2048 a, 2048 b are directed to wrapping processes, and product or trays 2046 which are non-compliant with certain criteria as determined by the vision system 2048 a, 2048 b are diverted or routed away from wrapping processes and subject to further treatment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of trays 2046 and a packaging and imaging system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, trays 2046 are conveyed through vision systems 2048 a, 2048 b on one or more conveyor belts 2044 a, 2044 b. Each tray 2046 is analyzed by a vision system 2048 a, 2048 b and the vision system provides feedback to the system related to what further processing is required for the tray(s) 2046. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, each of the vision systems 2048 a, 2048 b comprise fixed or integrated vision systems with a conveyor 2044 a, 2044 b. In alternative embodiments, however, visions systems of the present invention comprise portable or stand-alone systems that may be moved and employed at any one or more locations within a facility.

FIG. 19 is a top view of an imaging system 2060 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the imaging system 2060 spans the width w of a conveyor belt or similar feature for conveying products. The system 2060 comprises a plurality of lamps 2066 a, 2066 b, 2066 c, 2066 d. In various embodiments, lamps 2066 comprises tube lamps of approximately 50 mm diameter. It will be recognized, however, that the present invention is not limited to such devices. Various lamps and lighting features are contemplated of use with the present invention. The system 2060 further comprises a camera box 2068 comprising one or more cameras 2072, 2074 for capturing images of products conveyed through the system 2060. A laser box 2070 is provided proximal the camera box 2068. The laser box 2070 comprises one or more lasers for analyzing the shape of a meat product. For example, in certain embodiments, a laser box comprises a laser and displacement sensor for evaluating and measuring a three dimensional shape of meat products passed through the system 2060. Such systems are particularly useful in evaluating meat products of irregular shapes.

A computer box 2062 is provided in connection with the system 2060. In various embodiments, the computer box 2062 is operable to perform at least one of the following functions, data acquisition, data storage, data manipulation, system control, monitoring of through-put, etc. In preferred embodiments, a CPU associated with the computer box 2062 is provided at least for saving and/or archiving images and information captured by the cameras 2072, 2074 and/or laser box 2070. A first member 2064 is generally vertically disposed and provides support for other components and features of the imaging system 2060.

FIG. 20 is a front view of an imaging system 2060 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the system 2060 is provided over a width w of a conveyor belt 2042 for transmitting meat products. The system 2060 comprises a hood or cover member 2076 for providing a controlled imaging environment (i.e. with respect to light, etc.). A plurality of lighting elements 2066 are provided to illuminate a meat product to be analyzed by a camera or imaging device 2068. The first member 2064 is interconnected to a second member 2078, which is generally horizontally disposed. The first member 2064 and the second member 2078 provide support for other components and features of the imaging system 2060, including wheels 2080 a, 2080 b.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an imaging system 2060 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of FIG. 21 comprises a hood or cover 2076, movable on one or more wheels 2080 a, 2080 b, 2080 c, such that the system 2060 may be transferred to desired locations. The system 2060 of FIG. 6 comprises a through-put system having an aperture or input 2082 through which a conveyor belt (not shown) transmits products. The system 2060 and hood 2076 contain various imaging features as shown and described herein, including cameras, laser means, and lighting means. The second member 2078 provides support for other components and features of the imaging system 2060, including wheels 2080 a, 2080 b, 2080 c.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of an imaging system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Various features of the imaging system are shown in relation to one another, including a camera box 2068 comprising a 3D and color camera 2072, 2074, lighting means 2066 a, 2066 b, laser box 2070 comprising laser means, and a conveyor system 2042 passing therethrough.

While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, as set forth in the following claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “adding” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for screening and packaging meat products, comprising: providing a meat product for human consumption on a tray; conveying said meat product and said tray; receiving a digital image of said meat product and said tray during conveyance; using a processor, evaluating, by reference to the digital image, whether the meat product and the tray are suitable for further packaging, wherein the evaluation comprises referencing a database comprising information relating to the suitability of meat products on trays for packaging; and wherein said evaluating step comprises at least one of: determining the presence of abnormalities of said meat product and determining whether the meat product and the tray are provided in a desired relative position to one another.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital image is viewable in real time as said meat product and said tray are passed within a field of view of a means for generating an image.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of determining comprises determining whether the meat product and the tray are provided in a desired relative position to one another based on comparing said digital image to a pre-existing image.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprises the step of discarding meat products comprising abnormalities as determined by said evaluating step.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating a report containing information related to the number of meat products and trays that are not provided in the desired relative position to one another.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said digital image is generated by a means for generating an image selected from the group consisting of a digital color camera, a digital black and white camera, and a digital video camera.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein meat products deemed to be devoid of abnormalities and provided in said desired relative position based on said evaluating step are directed to subsequent processing operations comprising a step of over-wrapping the meat product and the tray.
 8. A system for screening and packaging meat products, comprising: a meat production apparatus comprising at least one packaging area, wherein meat product on a tray is conveyed to the at least one packaging area by a conveyor means; a means for capturing images of the meat products on trays conveyed along the conveyor means; a database comprising information relating to the suitability of meat products and trays for packaging; and a central processor capable of receiving information related to the captured images and, by referencing the suitability information in the database, evaluating whether the meat product and the tray are suitable for further packaging.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the processor is configured such that the step of evaluating the suitability of the meat product and the tray for further packaging comprises at least one of: determining the presence of abnormalities of said meat product and determining whether the meat product and the tray are in a desired orientation relative to one another.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured such that the step of determining whether the meat product and the tray are in a desired orientation relative to one another comprises comparing a captured image to a pre-existing image.
 11. The system of claim 9, comprising a directing means for directing the conveyance of the meat products on trays, wherein the directing means is electrically connected to the central processor.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the central processor is configured such that when, based on the evaluating step, the central processor identifies the meat product as being free of abnormalities and in the desirable orientation relative to the tray, the directing means is positioned such that the tray containing the meat product is conveyed to subsequent processing operations comprising a step of over-wrapping the meat product and the tray.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the central processor is configured such that when, based on the evaluating step, the central processor identifies the meat product as unsuitable for further packaging, the directing means is positioned such that the tray containing the unsuitable meat product is conveyed away from subsequent processing operations that comprise a step of over-wrapping the meat product and the tray.
 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a re-working area having a conveyance means for receiving trays containing unsuitable meat product conveyed away from the subsequent processing operations comprising an over-wrapping step; wherein the re-working area comprises a means for identifying those trays comprising meat products in an undesired orientation relative to the tray; and, a means for re-positioning the meat product on the tray such that the meat product and tray are suitable for packaging.
 15. The system of claim 14, further comprising a means for conveying trays comprising re-positioned meat products to the subsequent processing operations.
 16. The system of claim 8, wherein the image capturing means is selected from the group consisting of a digital color camera, a digital black and white camera, and a digital video camera.
 17. The system of claim 8, wherein the central processor comprise a means for storing information relating to the number of meat products in trays having abnormalities or that are in an undesirable orientation relative to the tray. 